Probation and Parole

We work with our partners in probation and parole to translate research into practice in many different forms.

Our work ranges from technical assistance and strategic planning to training and program assessment like the Correctional Program Checklist (CPC). We are committed to meeting our project partners “where they’re at” and understand the difficulties that surround the implementation of research in the real world. In order to address these challenges, we work collaboratively with community corrections partners to support their efforts and develop capacity within the organization or agency.

Across the country, government and NGO community corrections agencies are struggling to do more with less. In the face of shrinking budgets, community corrections agencies and government officials are looking for solutions to reduce new crimes and new victimization. Fortunately, a substantial body of literature exists on cost-efficient practices that are proven to reduce offender risk.

Examples of our work in this area include:

Implementing Graduated Responses in Alaska

In 2016, we began working with the Division of Probation and Parole in the Alaska Department of Corrections to design and implement a graduated responses program, which gives staff guidance on responding to probationer and parolee behavior in a graduated manner, incorporating both sanctions and incentives, to support behavior change and reduce recidivism.

First, we helped facilitate a policy development working group comprised of division leadership, supervisors, and line-level community supervision staff. We helped the group develop a graduated responses matrix and policies that fit Alaska’s particular goals and needs using the latest research on best practices. We then developed a curriculum and trained staff on how to effectively implement the graduated responses matrix with their caseload. We continue to work with the state to monitor implementation, support the analysis of relevant performance data, and develop ongoing quality assurance mechanisms.

Yolo County Community Corrections Partnership

CJI assisted the Yolo County, California, Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) in developing a multi‐year Public Safety Realignment Plan. The purpose of this project was the development of a comprehensive approach to realignment, (also known as AB109) that focused efforts on strategic priorities, provided an operational work plan to accomplish the goals, and developed performance metrics to measure progress. Additionally, we conducted a review of all the programs that were funded by realignment dollars to determine which programs were appropriate for formal evaluation based on a variety of objective criteria.

Evidence-based Practices Training for Massachusetts Parole

In 2012, we began working with the Massachusetts Parole Board to implement evidence-based practices (EBP) that aligned with their core values and mission. First, we assisted the Parole Board in conducting a rigorous evaluation of the available risk and need assessment tools that would help the agency better identify the criminogenic risks and needs of its parolees.

Following the review, the Parole Board made a decision to adopt the Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) risk/need assessment tool. We also trained Parole Board members and staff on the principles of effective intervention (PEI) and built capacity by providing a comprehensive implementation plan and process to conduct inter-rater agreement.

Recent Publications

All trainings are interactive and developed based on adult-learning principles, providing participants the opportunity to practice and demonstrate mastery of research-based content and skills. In addition to delivering trainings to staff, we can also: Help your organization develop the capacity to deliver the training curriculum in the future through train-the-trainer programs Provide one-on-one coaching on

This report summarizes information regarding culture and criminal justice issues in Indian Country today, most of it gathered through talking circles and focus groups with members of different American Indian communities in the United States in 2009-2010.

This report examines the growth of the cost of corrections in Massachusetts in contrast to government spending for other competing sectors, identifies programs that could be adopted here, and describes specific reforms to bring costs under greater control.

The Crime and Justice Institute at CRJ and the National Institute of Corrections are proud to present a series of eight whitepapers on the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBP) known as the Box Set.